In what proved to be the pick of the three A-grade netball finals, it took until overtime to split the two teams.
Centrals got the lead out to a handful of goals earlier in the game, but the Sharks closed the gap.
At the end of regular time scores were locked at 42 goals apiece, with rain and hail falling throughout the game.
After the second five minutes of extra time scores were still level, so play continued until one team had a two-goal lead.
The Sharks missed a goal, which the Centrals capitalised on. They then scored from the next centre pass and sealed the 54-52 win.
Centrals’ coach Randy Pereira said he was happy to prove some doubters wrong about his side’s chances with the win.
“Both teams turned the ball over because of the conditions. It shouldn’t have gone to extra time, we were five goals up and then we started to turn it over,” he said.
“We tried to play dry netball in wet conditions.
“Rupertswood had a chance to win it in extra time but they missed a shot with four seconds to go and we got the ball down the other end and scored.”
Despite the poor conditions, both Centrals shooters shot well. Rita White-Kay shot 27 goals at 90 per cent accuracy and Rebecca Morabito also shot 27 goals at 80 per cent.
Pereira said the performance was the best game they had played as a team since practice matches before the start of the season.
Centrals now face Macedon in an elimination semi-final. An incredible final quarter by Romsey sealed victory against Macedon in the qualifying final, 45-27. The Redbacks trailed at the first three breaks.
Pereira said they would take confidence out of their win into the semi-final.
“Last time we played them they had a 22-4 second quarter and the rest of the game was pretty even,” he said.
“We didn’t have Sally Portbury and Jess May, who are two of our midcourters.
“You would think having a 20-1 last quarter go against them would hurt Macedon’s confidence. They may have Chloe Wilson back which would make a difference.”
